How we could heal our national rift | Opinion

In the interest of turning down the volume in our nation's political discourse, I offer this: I, a progressive-leaning Democrat, who as such finds it difficult to understand how anyone can continue to support this president no matter what he says or does, am willing to accept that those who continue to support President Donald Trump, are as sincere in their beliefs as I am in mine. Further, I am willing to acknowledge that feeling as they do does not make them the devil, or un-American.

Now, if those who disagree with my position are willing to do the same for me, we can begin to heal this rift that is killing our nation. Maintaining our democracy depends on it!

Earnest L. Robinson Jr.

Southfield

Candidate shows grace in concession

It was very refreshing to see Martha McSally graciously concede to Kyrsten Sinema in the Arizona Senate race to fill Sen. Jeff Flake's seat. This was in sharp contrast to the president weighing in on the Florida campaigns and declaring that no additional ballots should be counted.

This would deprive the military, whose ballots come from overseas, of having a say in the election of their representatives. When did we transform from a nation whose candidates accepted the integrity of the process and ultimate outcome to declarations of "voter fraud" and seeking redress in the courts when the results went the other way. It is clear that the political rhetoric has to change; McSally has provided a shining example for that change.

David Levy

Farmington Hills

Compassion can make America great

How can we "make America great again"? In my opinion, not the way Donald Trump wants.

We can "make America great again" by having compassion for each other. By having sympathy and empathy for one another. By stopping and listening to those with an opposing view and actually taking their opinion to heart — and not just responding automatically with negativity — but trying to learn what others have to say. And not just when there is a disaster in our country when we come together — but every single day.

We can "make America great again" if we show compassion to our fellow man — no matter their skin color, their religious beliefs, their national origin, etc.

We can "make America great again" only if we want it. My question is this: What do you want America to be?

Jan Turner

West Bloomfield

Shorten campaign season

A government that fails to represent people and the best interest of the country is the worst, manipulated government that money can buy. The much-needed call for campaign finance reform would challenge the stigma that plagues Washington and special interests. However, reality in the effort to achieve campaign finance reform remains out of reach so long as the vested interests of seller and buyer remain joined at the hip.

There is, however, an alternative to the dilemma. Reduce the current years-long time frame of the election cycle to one that is restricted to a few months. The shortened election cycle would marginalize and minimize the amount of money that typically floods and compromises a ballot box. The end result would give Americans a real voice to be heard and acted on.